Robert Lui has a number of battles to win even before he starts rebuilding his rugby league career with North Queensland.
But back in the familiar surrounds of Townsville where he grew up and with the support of his new Cowboys team-mates, including close friend and chief rival for the No.7 jumper, Ray Thompson, he feels he can not only turn around his playing career, but also his life.
Lui shared in five straight grand final wins with Thompson as juniors playing for Central Tigers before their careers went in different directions.
He was released by the Wests Tigers late last year following some personal issues, the latest an assault charge, adjourned until March 21 when the NRL season will be three weeks old.
Lui wants the halfback job inside Johnathan Thurston – the world’s No.1 halfback wants to move to five-eighth with a view to filling Darren Lockyer’s place for Queensland.
Despite his off-field dramas, Lui has impressed his new NRL club, shedding some of his off-season weight baggage to be in the frame for their first trial of 2012 against Brisbane in 11 days.
“I always wanted to come back and play with Ray again,” said Lui at Tuesday’s launch of Townsville District Junior Rugby League’s upcoming sign-ons.
“For now, we have to compete against each other for that one spot at halfback.
“If Ray takes it, I’ll be happy for him and, if I get it, I know he will be happy for me.
“We’ll still me best mates at the end of the day because we both love what we do.”
Playing inside a world-class competitor like Thurston will be not be an issue for Lui, who did the job for the Tigers inside Kiwi international Benji Marshall last season.
“I know I can do it. I played inside Benji and other great hookers and halfbacks like Benji and Robbie Farah,” said Lui.
“He (Thurston) has been the best number seven now for a while but I think he wants to play out a bit wider.
“It’s up to the coach to choose out of me or Ray or Ben Jones and Michael Morgan as well.
“I just want to get a chance in the trial against the Broncos … I can’t wait.”
Johnno
Guest
Lui got injured a training mishap today he could be out for the season, a serious knee injury he is awaiting the medical results. It does not look good for Lui.
seanmaguire
Guest
Unbelievable that this guy can register his contract with the NRL with his history.
Pearl
Guest
Don't think you can really make a comment like that when you don't know the full story nor do you know Robert, the situation or the other side to the story. I was priveledged enough to teach Robert and he is a fantastic person as well as talented footballer. And the charges haven't been proven . You are obviously not a true Cowboys supprter becasue if you were you would have faith in what Peter Parr and his team have done.
sledgeross
Guest
Still a criminal though Scott. If Lui (and the Cowboys) want to be in partnership, then they must know that there will be some criticism.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
BA Tuff call. What about rehab? He has come back to his home town to be with his family and friends so hopefully he find find his true potential. The cold hard facts are that if he can come good and compliment Thurston, the Cows can win the comp.,
B.A Sports
The Cowboys have a huge indigenous supporter base. When you take into account the entire north and far north QLD area it may be more than South Sydney. One of the biggest issues in indigenous society is domestic violence. For the Cowboys to sign someone who is on his second bout of charges for this offence is disgraceful and a reflection on Peter Parr and his complete incompetence and lack of respect and knowledge for the great North Queensland and FNQ area.